Russ Lenk - COF: In Other's Words

I'm really glad you guys were there this weekend. I love your music and heart. You guys are quite good at what you do!

…a lot of people ask me "What are you (IGNITION) looking for?" I tell folks we're not "looking" for anything, just good music written and performed well. COF definitely lands on both of those fronts.

Andy Allen
Director - Ignition Christian Music Showcase

It is always a great pleasure to watch you gentlemen play! You are such skilled musicians…I would love to hear you take advantage of those incredible harmonies, and push them a little further. Again, you guys are incredible!

Heath Bottomly
MakeShift Records

I love the three-piece. You guys are obviously really skilled and great musicians, very entertaining and fun together…a very fun band to see, with a message in a package we would not normally see…The songs are great. You guys seem to be pros, and obviously can win over a crowd.

Jordyn Conner
Director of A&R – Provident Music/Sony BMG

Christian band shines at music festival

Bakersfield band C.O.F. received an honorable mention at America’s Christian Music Showcase Aug. 5 at the Spirit West Coast festival in Monterey.

The band features original Christian music in an acoustic string-band presentation. C.O.F. is short for “Circle of Friends” and the personnel varies depending on which friends are available for an engagement.
“We felt like a duck at a Miss America Pagent,” said Russ Lenk, composer, acoustic guitarist and lead singer for C.O.F. “The festival was geared to young adults and teenagers, and the decibels were bouncing off the hills.
“Our music is intended to tickle the spirit and soothe the soul in a somewhat quiet way, so we were surprised when they called us at midnight to say we made the finals.”
Lenk was accompanied by Lonnie Wilson on string bass, and Erik Hershkowitz on dobro.
The competition ran all day Aug. 4 with a different band every 20 minutes. Five bands were chosen for the final playoff on Aug. 5.
“I guess they like ducks,” Lenk chuckled.

Vocal melodies and harmonies are tight! Good job working them out to be so clean. Instrumentally you all rock! A good job and a strong performance.

Loved your vocal. Nice BGVs and you are certainly good players. Tight as a band. Great job. Such a breath of fresh air. We as music professionals love that stuff.

I love your heart and intention behind the songs…It’s rare to find an artist that makes the effort to force their audience to think deeper than just what’s at face value…

Dear Bramblebush and Circle of Friends,

On behalf of the congregation at Columbus Street Baptist Church, I want to thank you all for a most wonderful evening of worship, fun, and awesome music. The concert your shared with us last Sunday March 19th was without question one of the most enjoyable that we have ever had. I have heard nothing but positive comments from our people. Everyone in attendance had so much fun in the Lord as you all played and sang and related to us the truths and blessings of our Lord in such a unique and original manner. Your music style was so pleasant and uplifting and filled with the Spirit of our Lord Jesus. You made all of us feel like we are indeed a part of your "Circle of Friends" in Christ. May God richly bless your ministry of music and encouragement. We look forward to having you back again.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Dr. Frank D. Ward, Senior Pastor
Columbus Street Baptist Church
714 Columbus Street
Bakersfield, CA 93305

Howdy Russ,

Footprints On The Sea really sounds great. I love the variety and I find myself humming the songs afterwards. Great job amigo. Congrats.

Tom